Access Information

Making the Belgrade Accessible

All Belgrade productions and many visiting productions are supported by captioning or sign language interpreters and are audio-described. We also have large print versions of our brochure available on request. We have a limited number of spaces to accommodate wheelchair users. These are located in the Stalls area of the Main Stage and in both the Stalls and Balcony 1 of B2. Seating in the Circle of the Main Stage can only be accessed using steps. Please ask our Box Office staff for further information.

Drop Off Point

Patrons with limited mobility who are arriving by car can gain access to a drop-off point via Upper Well Street at the top of Belgrade Square, outside Bella Italia. The point is marked by stainless steel bollards. You can view a photo of the drop off point in the image gallery on the left hand side of this page. You can also take a virtual tour of the theatre, including the drop off point.

The drop-off point is about 20m / 66ft from the B2 entrance and has a dropped kerb and a ramp that will give patrons easy access to the theatre entrance. Parking is not permitted in this area.

On-site Wheelchair: The Belgrade Theatre has a wheelchair on-site for use by patrons with limited mobility. If you wish to have temporary use of the wheelchair please speak to one of Box Office team in advance. A member of staff will then be in touch to confirm availability and further details.

Access Performances

Captioned Performances – Captions convert the spoken word into visible text and are produced by a display unit installed on or near the stage and are delivered by an accredited captioner.

Audio Described Performances – Many of our productions are audio described. Headsets for the description are available from the merchandise counter and may be reserved at Box Office at the time of booking.

Relaxed Performances – Performances which are adapted to be accommodating to those with Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Some of our productions are Sign Language Interpreted.

Hearing and Guide Dogs – Please ask about Hearing and Guide Dog spaces when booking. Guide Dogs are able to join patrons booked into boxes with prior notice. We are also happy to look after Guide Dogs in the foyer during the performance.

Sign Language Integrated Performances (performances where Sign Language Interpreters are a part of the performance) and Touch Tours (where you can visit and feel the props prior to the show) are available for our pantomime.

Steps in our Main Stage Auditorium

If you need to avoid steps to reach your seating please note that there are certain areas that involve steps to reach those seats.

STALLS: All of our boxes have steps to reach them, with the exception of box E and F. There are approximately 9 steps from the back of the auditorium row R to row J. Row P seats 24 to 31 can be accessed without using steps. CIRCLE: Our boxes require several steps to reach them as do all the seats.

For more information please see the download files on left of this page or speak to one of our box office team.

Age Recommendations and Suitability

The Belgrade Theatre presents a variety of productions that reflect a range of subject matters for a broad range of audience types. These subjects often reflect contemporary life and as a result may present a range of real life situations including scenes of an adult nature, bad language and violence.

On occasion we feel it appropriate to give guidance and shows which require clarification will have an age recommendation on them.

An age recommendation can mean that the show may contain bad language, scenes of an adult nature or violence. If any of these issues are of concern to you please consult one of our box office staff who will be able to advise you further.

Access Supported Performances

When providing Access Supported Performances, the Belgrade considers each of the following questions:

How long is the show running at the Belgrade Theatre?
This is a consideration as the personnel who deliver each type of Access Support need several days’ preparation to be able to deliver the service effectively: they need to see a performance, at least twice, then prep and rehearse it, then deliver it. The upshot of this means that a show needs to be performed at the Belgrade for a minimum of at least 6 days.

How much dialogue is in the show?
As we do not know the answer to this question when we book the production in, we take advice from the Producers.

What is the target audience?
This is another important consideration as to which Access Support to provide.

Which Access Support would be appropriate?
The answers to points 2) and 3) above will inform our decision. The more spoken word in a production the more the show could naturally lend itself to captioning. Productions with less words lend themselves more to being signed, e.g. a show aimed at younger children or musical shows.

With regard to audio description, the theatre endeavours to provide this service for all shows lasting at least six days. New equipment has recently been installed that offers patrons over 93% coverage across Main House seating. For more information please download the zoning chart from the left hand side of this page.

Companion Tickets

Patrons booking a Wheelchair space are entitled to one free companion ticket – no proof of disability status is required. We also offer one free ticket for the companion of a customer who is unable to attend an event unaccompanied due to a disability but is not a wheelchair user. Disabled patrons are offered either up to £2 off or a free companion ticket if required. The disabled patron will be asked to produce one of the following as validation of status, either upon booking or when collecting the tickets:

A letter confirming receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

A Local Authority Mobility Card/Pass.

A Disabled Person’s Railcard.

Local Authority Registration Cards for Visual Impairments or certificate.

Doctor’s note (valid for 6 months)

In order to improve our service to you we now have an Access Register. Validation of status, as detailed in the register, will be required for non-wheelchair patrons requiring a free companion. We encourage all patrons with any specific access needs to complete this register and help us to provide a smoother service; including the ability to book wheelchair seats on-line (from Autumn 2019) and have your tickets posted out to you without showing proof of status each time. The Access Register Application Form is available for download on the left-hand side of this page as is a document containing further information